Browse practical guides to Chinese tea brewing, tea types, teaware, buying, and storage.
Pu-erh is fascinating — but it can also be intimidating for a beginner. The good news: there’s a clear answer to what to buy first, and it’s easier (and more affordable) than you might think. This guide explains the best pu-erh tea for beginners and what to look for in your first purchase. Start With … Read more
If you’re getting into Chinese tea, one of the first decisions is whether to brew loose leaf or stick with tea bags. The difference is bigger than most people realize. This guide compares loose-leaf tea and tea bags, and explains why loose leaf is worth the (small) extra effort. The Key Difference: Leaf Quality Loose … Read more
Buying your first Chinese tea is exciting — but it’s easy to waste money on stale or low-quality tea when you don’t know what to look for. This guide walks you through buying Chinese tea the right way. Where to Buy Chinese Tea Specialty online vendors — the best choice for quality and freshness (see … Read more
Pu-erh is one of the only teas that gets better with age — but only if it’s stored correctly. Store it wrong, and your tea goes flat, musty, or ruined. This guide explains how to store pu-erh tea, whether you’re keeping it for a few months or aging it for years. Why Storage Matters for … Read more
Buying Chinese tea online can feel overwhelming — there are hundreds of sellers, and quality varies enormously. The good news: a handful of reputable vendors consistently sell fresh, authentic tea. This guide explains what to look for in a Chinese tea seller and lists some of the most trusted names. What to Look For in … Read more
Gongfu tea doesn’t require a lot of equipment — but a few essential pieces make the whole process work. Here’s exactly what you need, and what you can skip. This guide covers the essential teaware for gongfu tea, in order of importance. The Essential Teaware (Must-Have) 1. Brewing Vessel: Gaiwan or Small Teapot The heart … Read more
Brewing loose-leaf Chinese tea is a step up from tea bags — and the right teapot makes a real difference. But which teapot should you buy? It depends on what you’re brewing. This guide covers the best teapots for loose-leaf tea and how to choose. Teapot Materials Compared Material Best for Pros / Cons Porcelain … Read more
A Chinese tea set turns tea drinking from a simple beverage into a ritual. Whether you want a full gongfu setup or a simple starter kit, the right set makes brewing easier and more enjoyable. This guide covers what to look for in a Chinese tea set and the best types for different needs. What’s … Read more
A gaiwan is the best first teaware purchase for anyone getting into Chinese tea — it’s affordable, versatile, and works with every type of tea. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide covers what to look for in a beginner gaiwan and the best types to buy. What … Read more
Here’s a fun fact that confuses many Western tea drinkers: what we call black tea is called red tea (红茶, hong cha) in Chinese — named for the reddish color of the brewed liquid, not the leaves. This guide explains what Chinese black (red) tea is and the famous varieties you should know. What Is … Read more